It seems to me that the thread connecting the First Reading and Gospel of the Mass this Sunday is that of silence. God is encountered in the still small voice of calm both by the prophet Elijah and by the Apostles after the storm on the lake. It is interesting that the more we engage in noise and activity, the less the world seems to hear God. All things that are great grow in silence. This is why the Christian soul needs to create silence and then find God within that stillness.

The cycle of the Ordinary Sundays is interrupted this weekend as we celebrate The Transfiguration of the Lord on 6th August. Twice during the liturgical year we remember the Transfiguration in a special way.

I returned on Friday from our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes along with a number of others from the Parish Family. It was, as ever, a time of grace and spiritual renewal when we most assuredly prayed for the Church at this time, and for the needs of our Parish here.

This weekend our schools closed for the Summer vacation. In both primary and secondary schools there are students who have left in order to move-on to the next phase of their education, and we wish them all well in their new institutions; as we wish good exam results for those awaiting them next month! However, and in particular, I would like to highlight the retirement of the Headteacher of our Primary School - Mrs Margaret Sullivan - who departs this month. Mrs Sullivan has been the Head of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School for the last twelve years and as Deputy for four years prior to that. She has been a teacher in Catholic education for the 39 years of her teaching career. So, we owe her a huge debt of gratitude for all that she has done wherever she has taught, but in particular, here in our own Parish School. Many of our young people who have passed-through Our Lady of Lourdes School will have fond memories of times there and the pivotal role Mrs Sullivan played. As a Leader, she has always been at the centre of the School and, with a very maternal approach, formed and guided all for whom she has had responsibility. Her unique and unequivocal Catholic Faith has been the inspiration that has made our own school the beacon of learning and excellence that it is. I know I speak for the whole Parish Family when I say a heartfelt Thank you! Last Monday, during a school assembly, I was able to present Mrs Sullivan with the Papal Blessing which Pope Francis conferred as a token of divine grace and heavenly blessings, for all that she has done for Catholic Education. We will continue to keep her at the heart of the local Parish here and I know she will continue to follow the progress and success of the School as it enters a new chapter.

We have now entered the high summer month of July, a month in which we honour the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Saint Pope John XXIII especially wanted us to have a vibrant devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, the price of our redemption, and the pledge of our salvation and eternal life. When we receive Holy Communion from the chalice during this month, let us pray that the Lord will wash away all our sins and forgive and convert those who bring bloodshed and violence to our world. Sometimes, sadly, I have heard people refer to Holy Communion from the chalice as “receiving the wine” - a sorry term and mistake! Let’s never refer to ‘wine’ but only to the Precious Blood. In 1960, Saint Pope John XXIII asked the Congregation of Rites to compose a litany in honour of the Precious Blood. It is a beautiful prayer that you can slowly reflect on. Please pray it often this month. You can find here:

It seems to me that the thread connecting the First Reading and Gospel of the Mass this Sunday is that of silence. God is encountered in the still small voice of calm both by the prophet Elijah and by the Apostles after the storm on the lake. It is interesting that the more we engage in noise and activity, the less the world seems to hear God. All things that are great grow in silence. This is why the Christian soul needs to create silence and then find God within that stillness.

Turn your computer on, and enjoy the “virtual pilgrimage.” Video clips of 2-10 minutes capture the flavour of the recent Diocesan pilgrimage, including all the homilies, and interviews with Bishop Alan and Fr Bob Hamill. You can find these via www.bcys.net or search “Virtual Pilgrimage – Lourdes 2017” on YouTube.

Tickets for this event will be on sale after Masses over the next 3 weekends at a cost of £5 per ticket. They can also be purchased during the week, after the weekday Mass, from the Parish Office. There are a limited amount of tickets so make sure you get yours early.

If you have a child going into Year 3 in September and you would like them to make their First Holy Communion in 2018, please complete the on-line Registration Form available from the Parish Website under Sacraments and return this to the Parish Office no later than Thursday 31st August 2017.

The cycle of the Ordinary Sundays is interrupted this weekend as we celebrate The Transfiguration of the Lord on 6th August. Twice during the liturgical year we remember the Transfiguration in a special way.

If you have a child going into Year 3 in September and you would like them to make their First Holy Communion in 2018, please complete the on-line Registration Form available from the Parish Website under Sacraments and return this to the Parish Office no later than Thursday 31st August 2017.